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Fire at Grand Hotel in Brighton Fire at Grand Hotel in Brighton
(20 minutes later)
Firefighters have been called to what was described as a "major" blaze at the Grand Hotel in Brighton. Firefighters have been called to what is being described as a "major" blaze at the Grand Hotel in Brighton.
East Sussex Fire Service said four fire engines and an aerial platform vehicle were sent, with some 20 firefighters.East Sussex Fire Service said four fire engines and an aerial platform vehicle were sent, with some 20 firefighters.
The fire is understood to have started on the first floor in a room used for preparing room service. Guests at the Grand Hotel were evacuated to the nearby Hilton Brighton Metropole Hotel shortly after 2000 GMT.
The hotel was the target of a Provisional IRA bomb attack during the 1984 Conservative Party Conference, when five people died. Janet Ridge, duty manager of the Metropole, said: "We have been told that 400 people are coming. But it could be even more than that."
Roof smoking
Initial reports said the blaze started on the first floor of the hotel, but Ms Ridge said she understood it began in the basement.
She added: "The smoke is coming out of the roof."
"The whole hotel has been evacuated and all the guests have been moved here. We are serving them tea, coffee and sandwiches. We are helping wherever we can."
She added that the Kings Road, which runs along the sea front, had been closed to traffic in both directions.
The Grand Hotel was the target of a Provisional IRA bomb attack during the 1984 Conservative Party Conference, when five people died.
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